Alberschwende – Maltach – Brüggelekopf (1182) – Tannen – Alberschwende

This is a lovely shortish hike to the peak of Brüggelekopf with incredible views for relatively little effort.

Park in Alberschwende and head along a narrow road towards Maltach – do look to the right to enjoy a lovely view of Alberschwende.

The only traffic on this quiet road is the occasional tractor. As you gain height, the views quickly open up and there is a lovely view across to the Rhine valley in Switzerland.

Shortly after this, just before reaching Maltach, you can enjoy the first view of the Bodensee.

Once you reach the few houses which make up Maltach, turn left and head towards Schwanteln. Once you reach the 2 farmhouses turn right, which goes a little more steeply uphill through some woods.

You’ll then come out into some beautiful meadows and have the first incredible views of the Bregenzerwald.

Now head towards Lorenpass and then start the final uphill towards Brüggelekopf. If you are making this hike in the Spring, then you’ll certainly enjoy the flower filled meadows. En-route you’ll pass the Gasthof Berchtoldshöhe – this is a private hut but has an honesty system where you can buy drinks.

Just below Brügelekopf you’ll find the Alpengasthof Brüggele. It’s then 3 minutes to the summit with incredible views in all directions. Enjoy!

From Brüggelekopf there are 3 options back to Alberschwende. Either steeply and directly to Alberschwende, or through the woods to Tannen and then to Alberschwende, or the gentlest route of all is down the road to Tannen and then to Alberschwende. We took the route through the woods to Tannen – there are lovely views across the surrounding hills whichever route you take!

After 3.5 hours or so you’ll be back at Alberschwende where there are numerous possibilities for an ice-cream. Wonderful!